Rik Mayall: Celebrating a Comedy Icon’s Enduring Legacy
For a generation raised on the chaotic brilliance of 1980s and 1990s British comedy, Rik Mayall was an unforgettable presence—bold, loud, irreverent, and utterly hilarious.
Now, 11 years after his passing at age 56, his hometown of Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, is honoring his legacy with the inaugural Rik Mayall Comedy Festival—a week-long celebration running from May 31 to June 7, 2025.
The town is coming alive with laughter and love as it transforms into a full-blown tribute to Mayall’s life and comedic genius. With over 200 performances in more than 25 venues, the festival features established comedy legends and rising stars alike.
“Rik’s comedy was so wildly exuberant, joyfully outrageous, and brilliantly bold that, in the right moment, it was as funny as anything could possibly be,”
— Ben Elton, BBC Interview
Elton first crossed paths with Mayall while they were students at the University of Manchester, where the two began a lifelong creative partnership. Together, they worked on comedy milestones such as The Young Ones, Blackadder, and Filthy Rich & Catflap.
“Rik had this innate star quality that was truly one of a kind,” Elton reflected. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some extraordinary performers—but none have possessed the spark Rik had.”
The week’s line-up is packed with talent that reflects Mayall’s spirit—unpredictable, eclectic, and unapologetically bold.
Featured Acts:
- Greg Davies (The Inbetweeners, Taskmaster)
- Peter Richardson (The Comic Strip Presents…)
- Helen Lederer, Shaparak Khorsandi, and more
Performances will take place in diverse venues including:
- The Norbury Theatre
- The Raven Hotel
- Chateau Impney
- Vines Park (open-air shows)
- Local pubs, barbershops, and canal boats
Full event listings: rikmayallcomedyfestival.com/whats-on
The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival, kicking off this Saturday and running for a full eight days, will showcase stand-up performances from acclaimed comedians such as Greg Davies, Helen Lederer, and Shaparak Khorsandi. They’ll be joined by a vibrant mix of emerging talents across a variety of events, including music, magic shows, and spoken word performances.
At the heart of it all is Norbury Theatre, the cherished local venue where a young Rik Mayall first graced the stage in a production of Waiting for Godot.
“Everyone in the town is so pleased with what we’re doing,” said festival director Stuart Panrucker.
“I think it’s really given people a sense of ownership over Rik’s legacy—a chance to proudly say, ‘He’s one of ours.’”
Norbury Theatre: From First Steps to Final Curtain
The historic Norbury Theatre, where Mayall first performed as a child, will be the festival’s beating heart. It’s hosting a free pop-up museum featuring rare photos, costumes, and original scripts from Mayall’s career.
🎟️ Norbury Theatre events: norburytheatre.co.uk
📺 Rik’s Impact: From ‘The People’s Poet’ to National Treasure
From the anarchic Rick in The Young Ones to the sleazy Alan B’Stard in The New Statesman, Mayall’s characters embodied chaos with brilliance. His comedic range was boundless, and his influence remains indelible.
Mayall famously brought to life the ruthless Thatcher-era MP Alan B’Stard in the political satire The New Statesman, as well as the hapless, unlucky character Richard Richard in Bottom—a show he co-created and co-wrote with longtime collaborator and university friend Ade Edmondson.
These iconic series continue to be beloved and frequently rebroadcast on television today. Reflecting on Mayall’s enduring appeal, producer and writer John Lloyd—who worked closely with him on Blackadder—remarked,
“Rik’s comedy feels timeless. His style is truly one of a kind—there’s simply no one else who comes close. Everything he did was charged with such magnetic charisma; it was like witnessing something magical. He had an unmistakable aura about him.”
📹 Watch Rik Mayall in action:
“The Young Ones” Classic Clip – BBC Comedy Great
👪 Family Tribute
In a heartfelt message, Rik Mayall’s family expressed their gratitude and support for the festival.
“We are deeply moved that Droitwich Spa has decided to celebrate Rik’s legacy with this comedy festival,” they said.
“His parents would have been incredibly proud, especially to see the Norbury Theatre playing such a central role.
A week filled with laughter is truly the best way to honour Rik’s memory.”
💬 “Thank You for Keeping His Flame Burning”
Rik Mayall’s widow, Barbara Mayall, expressed her appreciation through the festival’s organizers:
“Rik would have been thrilled—and no doubt a bit embarrassed—to see this outpouring of love. Thank you for keeping his flame burning.”
📍 Plan Your Visit
Where: Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire
When: May 31 – June 7, 2025
Tickets & Info: www.rikmayallcomedyfestival.com
All profits will support local arts and ensure the festival becomes a yearly tradition.
The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival is more than a tribute—it’s a vibrant, laughter-filled salute to a man who redefined what comedy could be. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering Mayall’s genius, this celebration promises an unforgettable experience.
So dust off your Bottom DVDs, brush up on your poetry, and head to Droitwich Spa for a week of belly laughs and brilliant memories.
